Traveling for for Memorial Day weekend? Here's what you need to know

Thursday

If you're heading out of town this Memorial Day weekend, you're definitely not alone — nearly 43 million Americans are doing the same thing to kick off summer, according to AAA.

Here's what you need to know if you'll be traveling this weekend.

Most are traveling by car. Almost 38 million of this weekend's travelers will be hitting the highway. That likely means more traffic.

Speaking of traffic... The worst time to leave for your car trip will likely be the late afternoon on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.

“Drivers in the most congested metros should expect much worse conditions than normal,” Trevor Reed, transportation analyst for INRIX, said in a statement. “Travelers should anticipate delays to start on Wednesday and continue through Memorial Day. Our advice to drivers is to avoid the morning and evening commuting times or plan alternate routes.”

Drivers in Boston and Washington, D.C. could see their trips last three times longer, especially between 3:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Memorial Day (May 27).

Gas prices have risen. In the last two months, gas has gotten about 30 cents more expensive. The national average is $2.86, according to AAA.

The top travel destination is Orlando, Florida. AAA released its list of top 10 Memorial Day travel destinations, according to advance AAA Travel bookings.